The idea of the exercise relates to the joy we have when we overcome some difficulty. This is the moment when we enjoy the fruit of our efforts. After a period of difficulties, working on them and solving them, comes a period when we enjoy what we have achieved. The poem (BG) is about the joy of the Sun and the Earth. In the language of gesture, with hands and feet, pointed to the ground we perform caressing the Earth like sunrays. Afterwards the arms reach upwards and forwards, like the Earth striving to the Sun and staying in its orbit. In the English poem the main character is happy for the new home s/he has and sky and Earth take part in this joy.

Exercises 17-21 are related thematically as a group. In 17.Square we have a problem situation, a task. With 18.Beauty and19.Agility we work to solve it using the hard and the mild approach. In 20.Conquering we solve and overcome it. With21.The Joy of the Earth we perform the joy of the achieved.

“This exercise begins with swinging motions, first while facing the centre and then with the back turned to the centre. This is the reward for all that we have attained. It is the making use of, and the processing of that which we have received, and the joy of its fruit. These movements are arch-like, magnetic.” [Beinsa Douno, Paneurhythmy, p.80]

QUESTIONS

1. Text: What expression of joy can be found in the text? Why is the main character in the poem happy? Give synonyms of “joy” and “to be happy”.

2. Drawing: Draw a picture of Joy. Draw a picture of the fruits of your efforts (in a given situation). Draw an illustration to the exercise.

3. Questions: What are the fruits of the efforts of the pupil/the student/the teacher? How can you show that you are happy?

4. Experience:Tell us of situations when you have been happy with what you have achieved, with the fruits of your efforts. What is the feeling?

5. Imagination: Imagine that: 1. with the swinging movements, your feet and arms are like sunrays caressing with tiptoes the Earth, the grass, the flowers; 2. with the step forward that your arms are like the Earth striving to reach the Sun and remaining in its orbit.

6. Affirmation: Write your own positive affirmation for Joy of the Earth. For example: The fruits of my efforts give me joy.

7. Quotes: It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy, that makes happiness (Charles H.Spurgeon) Find your own favourite quote on the Joy of the Earth.